Newsboys drummer Duncan Phillips talks about the band’s newest video “God’s Not Dead” and about the role Denver played in the video. It was filmed in November at a Denver coffee shop and during the band’s performance at Magness Arena at the University of Denver with the Winter Jam Tour.

Here’s the link … scroll down below the video player and its label is Duncan’s commentary version God’s Not Dead.

Michael Tait and the Newsboys are back in Colorado on March 1 when the band plays Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs.

“God’s not dead,” blares a headline on the black-and-white cover of the Newsboys’ latest album, which depicts a late 19th century newsboy hawking papers on a city street.

And many would say that the proclamation is just not news in the 21st century, but not Michael Tait, the band’s newest member and frontman.

“In today’s age we see more and more young people and adults who say they are in the atheist category that there is no God,” Tait said. “And we are here to say that God is alive and well. He is the foundation of our faith, and it’s a reaffirmation of that belief. And we are roaring like a lion.”

Tait and the Newsboys, which are known for their high energy live shows that feature drummer Duncan Phillips and his elevated rotating drumkit, will play at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs on Thursday, March 1. Also playing on the God’s Not Dead Tour is The City Harmonic, which just garnered a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year, hard-rockers Abandon and alternative rock band Anthem Lights.

“God’s Not Dead” is also the name of the band’s album that released Nov. 15 and is the first true worship CD by the 18-year-old group. But don’t forget this is the hard-rocking Newsboys and the band puts its mark on such standards as “Mighty to Save,” ”Forever Reign” and “Your Love Never Fails.”

You voted and the Newsboys are winners. The Christian rock band earned the right to be in heavy rotation on mtvU’s “The Freshman,” when the band’s video “Miracles” beat out Dominic Balli. Funny I just heard Balli for the first time yesterday.

You can catch Newsboys in Colorado Springs on March 1 at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church. Joining the Newsboys are The City Harmonic, Anthem Lights, Abandon, Bob Lenz and Daniel Bashta.

Newsboys closed the show with “Jesus Freak” and Duncan twirling, spinning on/in his elevated drum kit platform. Michael Tait is truly an entertainer. Had the crowd laughing while stating the message “God’s Not Dead.” Also the band filmed a video of “God’s Not Dead,” and it sounded dead-on. The CD releases this month.

Matthew West performed his current hit song off his CD – Strong Enough, and More. Kutless with one of my favorites, Strong Tower. Disappointed Fireflight didn’t play a longer set. They are a fun rocking band.

And RED set the place on fire, literally with flames shooting 30 feet in the air. Those are some hard rockers.

“God’s not dead,” blares a headline on the black-and-white cover of the Newsboys’ latest album, which depicts a late 19th century newsboy hawking papers on a city street.

And many would say that the proclamation is just not news in the 21st century, but not Michael Tait, the band’s newest member and frontman.

“In today’s age we see more and more young people and adults who say they are in the atheist category that there is no God,” Tait said. “And we are here to say that God is alive and well. He is the foundation of our faith, and it’s a reaffirmation of that belief. And we are roaring like a lion.”

Tait and the Newsboys, which are known for their high energy live shows that feature drummer Duncan Phillips and his elevated rotating drumkit, are part of the Winter Jam tour that kicks off its 2011 fall dates at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena on Thursday Nov. 3 It marks the first time in Winter Jam’s 16-year history that the multi-band concert will be heading West.

“God’s Not Dead” is also the name of the band’s album that releases Nov. 15 and is the first true worship CD by the 18-year-old group. But don’t forget this is the hard-rocking Newsboys and the band puts its mark on such standards as “Mighty to Save,” ”Forever Reign” and “Your Love Never Fails.”

Newsboys’ Michael Tait summed it up in a release: “I’ve said it before and it surely bears repeating: Winter Jam is our industry’s #1 tour, performing this past winter to more than 520,000 concert goers! It’s a “must see”…10 bands for 10 bucks…simply unbeatable and an unforgettable night for the entire family. See you there!”

Furler left the multi-Dove Award winning band in 2009, apparently sold much of his belongings — even shares in Inpop Records that he co-founded — and moved from his native Australia to the Florida Gulf Coast to surf, create art and play music for simple enjoyment.

He wasn’t going to release any of the music he created during his reflection, but it turned into some of the most joyful and uplifting music of his long career. And the result is “on fire” set to release in June 21.

Furler returned to Australia in April and performed at Easterfest, performing “Reach” from his new CD in front of 20,000 fans. “Reach” is the first single from “on fire” and represents Furler’s personal relationship with God.

“We all need to be reminded that God is personal,” he said. “He cares for us individually, where we are.”

Newsboys, the quirky pop-rock band known for its live shows, will be hitting the road this spring and Colorado has the distinction as being the band’s last tour stops for its “Born Again Experience Tour.”

With new frontman Michael Tait, the band will play in Grand Junction on Thursday, May 19 and in Highlands Ranch on Friday, May 20. The band’s website has TBD for both locations, but the Highlands Ranch site has to Cherry Hills Community Church. The church has hosted Jeremy Camp, Third Day and Chris Tomlin to name a few.

The “experience” with the tour is the opportunity to purchase VIP tickets that include a chance to meet the band, access to a preshow acoustic set, a grab bag of signed merchandise and gold club seating. Check out the website for more details.

As we round the corner toward Christmas here’s a few of my favorite Christmas CDs from Christian artists that made their way across my desk this season.

“Christmas: A Newsboys Holiday” Michael Tait’s range comes out on this CD. His smooth, velvety vocals are reminiscent of Nat King Cole on “The Christmas Song” — one of the all-time great holiday songs. Before joining the newsboys, Tait had this song as a hidden track on his “Lose This Life” CD. Tait’s vocals on this CD might be a surprise to many rock fans, but he translates perfectly to Christmas music.

Don’t like listening to one artist when it comes to Christmas tunes? Then check out these two offerings– “The Essential Christmas Collection” and “Bethlehem Skyline 2.”

Essential is a compilation of artists from the Provident Label Group (a division of Sony) and features some of the best-known Christian artists. From Third Day and Mac Powell getting the CD going with “Angels We Have Heard On High” to Brandon Heath’s “The Night Before Christmas,” Revive’s “The First Noel” to Michael W. Smith’s emotional “All is Well.” There’s a Celtic feel to Casting Crown’s version of “Joy to the World.” Newcomer Kerrie Roberts’ vocal range is displayed on “Oh Holy Night,” and Building 429’s gritty version “What Child is This?” is fun. As the name implies this is an essential addition to your Christmas collection.

Bethlehem features new music from Centricity’s stable of artists — Jason Gray, Downhere, Lanae’ Hale, Sixteen Cities and others. The new songs are a pleasant reprieve from all the oldies. BUT don’t fret, classics such as “Silent Night,” “Away in the Manger,” and “Little Drummer Boy” are in the mix. I really like Downhere’s offerings. For some reason I’m reminded of Queen whenever I hear this band. The new music is reason enough to pick up this CD.

Patrice Wilson’s “A Christmas Blessing” and The Isaacs “Christmas” round out my selections. These were two new artists for me. I enjoy Wilson’s classic renditions of Christmas staples such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bells” and “O Come all Ye Faithful.” When listening to this CD, I just wanted to curl up next to a fire with a hot cup of cocoa.

If your looking for some bluegrass tints to your Christmas tunes, then The Isaacs is your way to go. Complete with mandolin, fiddle and banjo the group offers up “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.” New songs include “It’s Christmas Time Again”, “Santa Claus is Real” and “The Savior of the World Has Come.”

I’m a Denver Post sports copy editor, who covers Christian music in my spare time. I’m a rocker at heart. Grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, The Who ... classic rock is what they call it now. I was introduced to Christian rock by my cousin, Sharon. My first Christian rock experience was Atlanta Fest when I saw this new group — Third Day — playing in front of about 50 people at an outdoor picnic area.